By JIM BUTLER
Malcolm Larvadain, perhaps recognizing an election issue when it arises, wants to change Alexandria City Council rules for public comment.
His plan comes on the heels of recent complaints from citizens wanting to speak about things not on the council’s posted agenda.
Larvadain, District 1 councilman running for mayor, proposes letting some get matters off their chests at each meeting.
Currently, interested parties can signup for three minutes addressing an agenda item, and nothing else, though keeping some who relish the sound of their voice on subject has become like herding cats.
Larvadain would add a minimum half hour at the end of each every-other-week meeting for citizen firing at-will in three-minute bursts. Barring extended time, that would allow up to 10 speakers.
In correspondence to Council President Cynthia Perry, copied to all council members, Larvadain asks the proposed change be added to next Tuesday’s agenda.
Issues raised during the open comment period would be “logged, referred and answered in writing” within 30 days.
Presumably the referral would be to the particular area involved via Mayor Jacques Roy’s office, that being where the rubber hits the road, and where Larvadain hopes to sit come December.
Larvadain says his proposal provides a regular opportunity for residents to address matters of public interest.
State law requires an opportunity for public speaking at agency meetings.
Some limit that to matters on the agenda, some to only matters on the agenda that are to be voted on, some only to a prescribed time limit, some no restrictions.
The Council’s current rules have been in place since mayhem-driven changes were adopted in mid-2024.